TRAI is addressing the needs of users who rely on basic mobile services or secondary SIMs, ensuring they pay only for the services they require. The rules also include provisions for longer validity periods on affordable plans and smaller recharge denominations,

The decision comes at a time when most homes are equipped with in-built Wi-Fi, posing a potential threat to telecom operators' recently gaining ARPUs.

Telecom companies in India have criticised Trai's mandate for voice and SMS-only tariff packs, arguing it could hinder upgrades to 4G and 5G networks and deter 2G users from data services, thereby affecting access to digital initiatives.

The amendment by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India introduces several new consumer protection regulations.

Trai has mandated that telecom operators provide separate plans for voice and SMS without including data. This decision aims to support feature phone users, the elderly, and rural consumers who do not use internet services.

Trai has amended tariff rules to require mobile service providers to offer a separate plan for voice calls and SMS for customers who do not use data, removing the 90-day cap on special recharge coupons and extending it to up to 365 days.